3
$\begingroup$

Consider the circuit shown below. The two LC circuits are arranged in such a way that their mutual inductance M results in a coupling between the currents flowing in the two circuits.

Find the frequencies of normal modes as a function of L, C and M.

enter image description here

Thoughts:

I was thinking about using symmetry to solve this problem. If we consider a reflection along a vertical line between the two inductors, the system remains unchanged. Then, find a corresponding symmetry (reflection) matrix, find its eigenvalues and then use those eigenvalues to find the corresponding Amplitude ratios.

But, my problem is,

a) I have no clue how to relate that to anything actually relevant (the current for example) because upto this point, I've only worked with springs and pendulums.

b) How the symmetry here (reflection?) actually affects the current.

P.S.: I do know how to set up and solve the differential equation for a simple LC circuit if that's relevant.

Thanks!

$\endgroup$
7
  • $\begingroup$ Have you tried just writing down the circuit equations and looking at what you get? $\endgroup$
    – DanielSank
    Commented Sep 29, 2014 at 5:41
  • $\begingroup$ The circuit equation is be \ddot{q} + (1/LC) q = 0, isn't it? Not very sure how to relate that to coupling. $\endgroup$ Commented Sep 29, 2014 at 5:44
  • $\begingroup$ That's for a single oscillator. Add in the coupling. $\endgroup$
    – DanielSank
    Commented Sep 29, 2014 at 6:20
  • $\begingroup$ But that's exactly what I'm not sure about. The equation I wrote above will be true for both the circuits. But how do they relate to each other? I mean, physically it makes sense as change in the flux in the left inductor changes the flux in the second and so, affects the emf and hence the current. But how do I relate that mathematically? Just a hint would be really helpful! $\endgroup$ Commented Sep 29, 2014 at 6:34
  • $\begingroup$ Were you able to find the normal frequencies? $\endgroup$
    – DanielSank
    Commented Sep 29, 2014 at 22:29

2 Answers 2

1
$\begingroup$

Your question seems to contain two parts. First, you're asking how to set up the equations of motion for this coupled system. Second, you are asking how to use symmetry considerations to find the normal modes and frequencies. Let's first answer the bit about symmetry first

Normal modes - symmetry

Your observation about the reflection symmetry is spot on. In general, the normal modes of the coupled system are linear combinations of the modes of the uncoupled system. As you pointed out, the system has a reflection symmetry. This means that the modes of the coupled system also have reflection symmetry, although the modes may be even or odd under that symmetry. The mode with even reflection symmetry is the one where as one circuit's current is flowing clockwise, the other circuit's current is flowing counterclockwise. You can see that this mode has even reflection symmetry by imagining picking up the diagram and flipping it left to right, as shown in the attached figure.

enter image description here

From these considerations you should be able to figure out what the odd mode looks like. Do you know how to get the frequencies from here?

Equations of motion

Here we show how to write down equations of motion when mutual inductance is involved. Let the left circuit be called #1 and the right circuit be called #2. Denote the inductance and capacitance of circuit #1 as $L_1$ and $C_1$, and similarly for circuit #2.

Denote by $V_1$ and $I_1$ the voltage across and current through $L_1$, and similarly for $V_2$ and $I_2$.

A mutual inductance means that the two inductors share flux. In particular, the flux in $L_1$ due to the current $I_2$ is

$$\Phi_{1,2} = M I_2$$.

This is just the definition of mutual inductance. This flux adds to the self flux $\Phi_{1,1}$ of circuit #1. Therefore, we have

$$\Phi_1 = \Phi_{1,1} + \Phi_{1,2} = L_1 I_1 + M I_2$$

Differentiate both sides to get

$$\dot{\Phi}_1 = - L_1 \ddot{Q}_1 - M \ddot{Q}_2 $$

where here we used $I_1 = -Q_1$ which is correct because current flowing downward through each inductor is flowing away from the corresponding capacitor. You learned that the time rate of change in flux of an inductor gives the voltage across it: $\dot{\Phi} = V$. Using this fact gives us

$$V_1 = -L_1 \ddot{Q}_1 - M \ddot{Q}_2 . $$

The voltage across the inductor and capacitor are the same because they're wired in parallel. Therefore, $V_1 = Q_1 / C_1$ by the definition of capacitance, resulting in

$$ \begin{align} \omega_1^2 Q_1 &= - \ddot{Q}_1 - (M/L_1) \ddot{Q}_2 \\ \text{and by symmetry} \qquad \omega_2^2 Q_2 &= - \ddot{Q}_2 - (M/L_2) \ddot{Q}_1 \end{align} $$

where $\omega_i \equiv 1/\sqrt{L_i C_i}$. Are these equations reasonable? If $M=0$ then we have $$\omega_1^2 Q_1 = -\ddot{Q}_1 \qquad \text{and} \qquad \omega_2^2 Q_2 = - \ddot{Q}_2$$

which is precisely what you expect for uncoupled oscillators. Therefore, our equations of motion are probably correct.

$\endgroup$
0
$\begingroup$

After solving the eigenvalue problem, I got $\omega_{A}$ to be $1/\sqrt{C(L+M)}$ and $\omega_{B}$ to be $1/\sqrt{C(L-M)}$. These frequencies make sense, because as you bring these circuits far apart from one another $M\rightarrow0$, and you get $\omega = 1/\sqrt{LC}$, the natural frequency of the LC circuit!

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.